Pelvic floor muscle strength and dysfunctions in women with pes planus: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Distal extremity misalignment may give rise to pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs). This study aimed to compare pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and dysfunctions in women with and without pes planus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with (pes planus group, n = 30) and without pes planus (control group, n = 30) were included. The presence of PFDs questioned. Pes planus with the Feiss Line Test, PFMS with the Modified Oxford Scale, and the severity of PFDs with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), including three subscales (Pelvic Organ Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) for pelvic organ prolapse, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8) for colorecto-anal symptoms, and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) for urinary symptoms, were assessed. RESULTS: It was seen that no difference was found between groups in terms of PFMS (p > 0.05). However, urinary incontinence and anal incontinence were higher in women with pes planus than in women without pes planus (p < 0.05). Only the PFDI-20, CRADI-8, and UDI-6 scores were higher in women with pes planus compared to controls (p < 0.05). There was no difference was found between groups in terms of POPDI-6 scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PFMS did not change according to the presence of pes planus. However, the prevalence of PFDs and their severity were higher in women with pes planus in comparison to controls. Posture assessments of individuals with PFDs, especially examination of foot posture, and pelvic floor assessments of individuals with posture disorders should be considered.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Toileting Behaviors, and Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge in Younger and Older Women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary aim was to examine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), toileting behaviors, and pelvic floor health knowledge in younger and older women. The secondary aim was to compare LUTS, toileting behaviors, and pelvic floor health knowledge in younger and older women. METHODS: The study included 85 younger women and 81 older women. LUTS were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female LUTS (ICIQ-FLUTS), toileting behaviors using Toileting Behavior-Women's Elimination Behaviors (TB-WEB), and pelvic floor health knowledge using the Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge Quiz (PFHKQ). RESULTS: In terms of LUTS, the most common symptoms in younger women are urgency (31.8%), bladder pain (28.2%), and frequency of incontinence episodes (35.3%), whereas in older women, the most common symptoms observed are urgency (64.2%), frequency of incontinence episodes (61.7%), intermittency (46.9%), urgency urinary incontinence (58%), and frequency of incontinence episodes (49.4%). Most unhealthy toileting behaviors correlated with LUTS in both groups (p < 0.05). Although a weak negative correlation was detected between ICIQ-FLUTS total score and PFHKQ function in younger women (p < 0.05), no correlation was found in older women (p < 0.05). Whereas premature voiding, straining during voiding, TB-WEB total score were higher in older women than in younger women (p < 0.05), delayed voiding, position preference for voiding, and PFHKQ function/dysfunction scores were higher in younger women than in older women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the scope of preventive health services, it may be important to provide informative programs on healthy toileting behaviors and pelvic floor health to women of all ages in order to prevent LUTS.

Effectiveness of Abdominal Massage Versus Kinesio Taping in Women With Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is an important public health problem and significantly affects women's lives. It is important to investigate non-pharmacological applications that can be used in the treatment of chronic constipation. The aim is to assess how abdominal massage and kinesio taping impact constipation severity, quality of life (QOL), and perception of subjective improvement in women with chronic constipation. Methods: Following Rome IV diagnostic criteria, women with constipation were randomly sorted into three distinct groups for study: massage group (lifestyle recommendations+abdominal massage, n:22), taping group (lifestyle recommendations+kinesio taping, n:22), and control group (lifestyle recommendations, n:22). Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) (for constipation severity), 7 days bowel diary (for bowel function), Patient Assessment of Constipation QOL (PAC-QOL) questionnaire (for QOL), 4-item Likert-type scale (for perception of subjective improvement) was used. Results: The group x time interaction effect was significant in all CSI, bowel diary and PAC-QQL parameters, except for incomplete evacuation and PAC-QOL-worries/concerns, and a large effect size was found (Partial η2 > 0.14). Improvement scores of all parameters (except CSI-obstructive defecation, incomplete evacuation, PAC-QOL-worries/concerns) were similar in the massage and taping groups and were better than the control group. Noteworthy perceptions of subjective improvement and normalization of stool type predominantly manifested in the massage group (p<0.05). Conslusion: Abdominal massage and kinesio taping are recommended as initial conservative interventions for managing chronic constipation within the therapeutic spectrum.

Efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation technique in primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique (JPMRT) on menstrual pain and symptoms, anxiety, quality of life (QoL), social activity, and work/school performance in primary dysmenorrhea (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with PD were randomly divided into two groups as relaxation and control groups. JPMRT was applied three times a week from the estimated date of ovulation to the onset of the next menstruation. No treatment was performed in the control group. Pain intensity, menstrual symptoms, anxiety, impacts on QoL, social activity, and work/school performance were assessed before and after the interventions. RESULTS: After the interventions, there was a further decrease in menstrual pain intensity, menstrual symptoms, anxiety level, the impact of QoL, and the work/school performance scores in the relaxation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: JPMRT might be used as an alternative method in the treatment of PD.

Effects of 16-week circuit training on physical fitness parameters, pulmonary function, and quality of life in healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Circuit training (CT) is an important type of training that can combine different types of exercises in a single form of training. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 16-week CT on physical fitness parameters, pulmonary function, and quality of life in healthy women. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy women (median age: 37.00 [31.50/39.50] years) were included in the study. CT was applied to the participants for a total of 16 weeks. Participants' body composition with the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis System, knee flexor and extensor muscle strength with the Biodex System-4 Pro, flexibility with the sit-and-reach test, pulmonary function with a spirometer device, and quality of life with Short Form-36 were assessed. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the participants' pretest and posttest median and interquartile range values of waist-hip ratio, body mass index, right/left knee flexor/extensor mean peak torque (60°/s,180°/s), right hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio (60°/s), flexibility, and SF-36 Mental Health Score (P˂0.050). There was no significant difference between the participants' pretest and posttest median and interquartile range values of total body fat, fat percentage, right H/Q ratio (180°/s), left H/Q ratio (60°/s,180°/s), pulmonary function, and Short Form-36 Physical Function Score (P˃0.050). CONCLUSIONS: CT decreased waist-hip ratio and body mass index, increased knee flexor/extensor strength and flexibility, and improved mental health. The 16-week CT may be an alternative approach to improve physical fitness parameters and mental health without any positive effects on body fat and pulmonary functions in healthy women.

Health-related physical fitness parameters in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare health-related physical fitness parameters of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) to a matched control group. METHODS: Thirty women with unilateral BCRL (lymphedema group, age = 55.00 (40.00-65.00) years) and 32 healthy women (control group, age = 49.00 (44.00-64.00) years) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness with the UKK 2-km walk test, grip strength with a hand dynamometer, trunk muscle endurance with the McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, flexibility with the sit and reach test, body composition with a body composition analyzer, and waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. RESULTS: In the lymphedema group, 36.7% of women had mild lymphedema, 36.7% had moderate, and 26.7% had severe lymphedema. It was found that maximal oxygen consumption, physical fitness index, grip strength, trunk extensor and lateral flexor muscle endurance, and flexibility scores were higher in the control group than in the lymphedema group (p < 0.05). In addition, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio were found to be lower in the control group compared to the lymphedema group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the trunk flexor muscle endurance scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the health-related physical fitness parameters were adversely affected in women with BCRL compared to healthy women. The changes of physical fitness may be important for the assessment and the treatment of BCRL.

Postural stability, spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema after radical hysterectomy following gynecologic cancer: A case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare postural stability, spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema after radical hysterectomy following gynecologic cancer with a matched control group. METHODS: Twenty-seven women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema (lymphedema group, age: 54.14 ± 5.80 years) and 30 healthy women (control group, age: 51.90 ± 6.54 years) were included. The lymphedema severity was evaluated with circumferential measurements. Postural stability with the Biodex Balance System SD and the spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency with the Spinal Mouse device were assessed. RESULTS: In the lymphedema group, it was found that 3.7% of the women had mild lymphedema, 7.4% had moderate lymphedema, and 88.9% had severe lymphedema. Static eyes open (EO) (overall, medio-lateral and antero-posterior) and eyes closed (EC) (antero-posterior) stability scores and dynamic EO and EC stability scores (overall and antero-posterior) were detected to be higher in the lymphedema group than in the controls (p < 0.05). Spinal mobility and postural competency scores were lower in the lymphedema group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In other parameters, there were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decreased postural stability, spinal mobility, and postural competency were detected in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema; however, no difference was seen in spinal alignment. These changes should be taken into account in the assessment and the treatment of unilateral lower extremity lymphedema.

Lower urinary tract symptoms and toileting behaviors in Turkish adult women.

This study aimed to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Turkish adult women and to compare toileting behaviors in women with and without LUTS. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 815 women. The International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Female LUTS and a toileting behaviors form, created by the authors, were used in evaluations. Nearly 50 % of the women had at least one LUTS, 45.8 % had storage symptoms, 7.4 % had voiding symptoms, and 20.2 % had incontinence symptoms. The rates of premature urination, straining during urination, delayed urination, and sitting on the toilet while urinating were higher in women with LUTS than in women without LUTS (p < .05). The rate of squatting on the toilet while urinating was lower in women with LUTS than those without LUTS (p < .05). Various LUTS were common in adult women. Some toileting behaviors such as premature urination, straining during urination, delayed urination, and sitting on the toilet while urinating were higher in women with LUTS compared to women without LUTS. Since the rate of unhealthy toilet behaviors is higher in women with LUTS, it is important to know unhealthy toilet behaviors in the management of LUTS and to organize training programs to prevent these behaviors and LUTS.

An investigation of the effects of connective tissue massage in women with migraine: A controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, medication usage, disability, sleep quality, psychological status, and quality of life in women with migraine. METHOD: The study was designed as a prospective controlled clinical trial. Women were allocated into the CTM (CTM + education (Ed) program, n = 8) and control groups (only Ed program, n = 8). One session of Ed and 12 sessions of CTM were performed for 4 weeks. They filled out a headache diary, including pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, and medication usage, for the pre-, during-, and after-treatment periods. Disability, sleep quality, psychological status, quality of life, and disability were evaluated with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Headache Impact Test-6, respectively. RESULTS: The CTM group showed a significant change in pain, accompanying symptoms (except vomiting), medication usage, Headache Impact Test-6, and Disability with Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Only the CTM group showed a significant change over time in all parameters of the headache diary except vomiting (p < 0.05). Only Headache Impact Test-6 and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores improved in the CTM group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSIONS: CTM was superior for reducing pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, medication usage, disability, and improving quality of life. CONCLUSION: CTM may be considered as a non-pharmacological and complementary therapy for migraine.

Contributory effects of individual characteristics on pelvic floor distress in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine individual characteristics (i.e. sociodemographic and medical, obstetric and gynecological, and musculoskeletal and anthropometric parameters) for greater pelvic floor distress (PFD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 253 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. PFD was assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). The score of Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) was used to perform secondary analyses. Sociodemographic, medical, and obstetric & gynecological parameters were recorded. Waist and hip circumferences and pelvic diameters were measured as anthropometric parameters. Pearson test, t-test, and linear regression analyses were conducted with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Education level (r = -0.23, p < .001; r = -0.24, p < .001), number of vaginal births (r = 0.15, p = .012; r = 0.12, p = .048), total vaginal birth weight (r = 0.15, p = .021; r = 0.16, p = .019), and Body Mass Index (r = 0.12, p = .043; r = 0.16, p = .007) were significantly correlated with the higher PFDI-20 and UDI-6 scores. The maternal age at the first vaginal birth (r = -0.13, p = .049) and pelvic antero-posterior diameter (r = 0.17, p = .013) were also significantly correlated with higher UDI-6 score. Linear regression analyses revealed that younger age (Beta coefficient (ß) = -1.10, p = .005), greater symptom duration (ß = 2.28, p = .001), the presence of chronic cough/constipation (ß = 25.72, p = .001), and increased total vaginal birth weight (ß = 2.38, p = .030) were associated with the greater PFDI-20 score. Increased pelvic antero-posterior diameter (ß = 0.88, p = .049) was a contributory factor for the greater UDI-6 score. CONCLUSION: This study showed that younger age, chronic cough/constipation, higher total vaginal birth weight, greater symptom duration, and pelvic antero-posterior diameter can be contributors of greater PFD. We suggest further longitudinal studies that better reveal the causal relationship between individual characteristics and PFD.

Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and knowledge level in obese women.

This study compared the pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms and knowledge levels in obese and non-obese women. The study included 40 obese and 41 non-obese women. The presence of PFD and the severity of its symptoms were questioned with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) (its sub-scales: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)). Participants' PFD knowledge levels were evaluated with the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and the Anal Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (AIKQ). The rates of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p = .001). The POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 scores were higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p < .001). Moreover, the knowledge level related to treatment methods for PFD was lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women (p < .05). PFD symptom incidence and severity were higher and knowledge levels related to PFD were lower in the obese women compared to the non-obese women. Informative teaching programs on this issue would be beneficial as part of preventive health services.

The effects of pelvic floor muscle training combined with Kinesio taping on bladder symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life in women with overactive bladder syndrome: A randomized sham-controlled trial.

Background: There is insufficient study using Kinesio taping (KT) in bladder problems. Objectives: To investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) combined with KT on bladder symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life in women with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and compare this combination with PFMT plus sham tape (ST). Methods: Women with OAB were randomly allocated into PFMT+KT and PFMT+ST groups. All patients were given PFMT for 6 weeks and applied taping according to groups. Before and after treatment, the OAB symptoms with the Overactive Bladder Assessment Form (OAB-V8) and Patients' Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS), bladder function with a 3-day voiding diary, pelvic floor muscle strength with the Modified Oxford Scale, and quality of life with the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed. Results: OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased and the MOS improved in both groups (P < .05) after treatment. The intergroup comparisons revealed a further decrease in voids/day, voids/night, incontinence episodes/day, and personal limitation scores of the KHQ in the PFMT+KT group compared to the PFMT+ST group (P < .05). Conclusion: PFMT+KT was more effective in reducing the OAB symptoms compared to PFMT+ST. KT could be a complementary application for reducing symptoms in OAB.

Development of an exercise attitude scale in Turkish for pregnant women: validity and reliability.

This study, conducted between October 2018 and May 2019, aimed to develop an Exercise Attitude Scale in Turkish (EAS-Turkish) for pregnant women and to determine its validity and reliability. The scale was prepared in Turkish to comprehensively measure pregnant women's exercise attitudes. Then, it administered in 253 pregnant women, who were native speakers of Turkish and older than 18 years, in the Obstetrics Polyclinic at Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability with test-retest and internal consistency methods were tested. The 37-item scale was found to be 2-dimensional (knowledge and benefit; barrier). All indexes of the goodness of fit (χ2/df = 2.0, Comparative Fit Index = 0.90, Goodness-of-fit Index = 0.85, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.06) indicated that the fit between the model and the sample data was acceptable. The item-total score correlations varied between r = 0.22 and 0.60. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were found as 0.90 for the whole scale, 0.91 for the knowledge and benefit sub-dimension, and 0.87 for the barrier sub-dimension. In the test-retest analysis conducted with 41 pregnant women, the reliability coefficients were detected as 0.93 for the whole scale and 0.84 for each sub-dimension. The EAS-Turkish for pregnant women was found to be a valid and reliable tool.

Comparison of lumbopelvic stability, low back pain and well-being of women who have overactive bladder syndrome to asymptomatic controls: cut-off points.

AIMS: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome has been associated with core muscles weakness, which is important in aetiology of low back pain (LBP) and affects general well-being. This study aimed to compare the lumbopelvic stability, LBP and well-being of women with OAB to asymptomatic controls and to determine the cut-off points. METHODS: Women with (OAB group, n = 36) and without OAB syndrome (control group, n = 36) were included. The lumbopelvic stability with the Sahrmann and McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, LBP intensity with the Visual Analogue Scale were assessed. As for general well-being, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), fatigue severity with the Fatigue Severity Index (FSI), anxiety and depression levels with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-A, HADS-D) were evaluated. RESULTS: In the OAB group compared to the control group, the lumbopelvic stability scores were lower (p < 0.001) while LBP prevalence (p < 0.001), pain intensity (p = 0.020), and PSQI, FSI, HADS-A, and HADS-D scores (p < 0.001) were higher. The cut-off points for trunk extension, flexion, right and left lateral flexion endurance tests and Sahrmann test were ≤9.42 sec, ≤8.62 sec, ≤19.26 sec, ≤5.16 sec, and ≤2 level, respectively. The cut-off points for PSQI, FSI, HADS-D, HADS-A were >5, >5.22, >6 and >6 scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women with OAB syndrome had lower lumbopelvic stability, higher LBP prevalence and intensity, lower sleep quality, and more fatigue, anxiety, and depression levels compared to asymptomatic women. The cut-off values were detected between the occurrence of OAB and lumbopelvic stability and general well-being parameters.

An investigation of potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and sleep quality relations.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and to assess the relationship between coronaphobia and sleep quality. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1262 participants. The Covid-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) were used to measure outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were constructed to determine risk factors for coronaphobia. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between C19P-S and JSS. RESULTS: The following risk factors were found to be associated with coronaphobia: gender, marital status, presence of chronic disease, staying home, and sleep disturbances. Female gender (OR = 2.23 and OR = 2.12), being married (OR = 1.31 and OR = 1.45), chronic disease status (OR = 1.39 and OR = 1.27), staying home (OR = 1.72 and OR = 1.35) and sleep disturbances (OR = 2.63 and OR = 2.49) were found to be associated with the likelihood of having a higher coronaphobia score (p < 0.05). Weak positive correlations were found between C19P-S and its subscales and JSS scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, being married, having chronic diseases, staying home, and having sleep disturbances were found to be risk factors for having high coronaphobia scores. Moreover, the severity of coronaphobia was associated with sleep disturbances. These results should be considered in the management of coronaphobia.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With Connective Tissue Massage to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-week program of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus connective tissue massage (CTM) to PFMT alone in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on those symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life. METHODS: Thirty-four participants were randomly divided into PFMT+CTM (n = 17) and PFMT (n = 17) groups. PFMT was applied every day and CTM was applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Before treatment, at week 3, and after treatment (week 6), we assessed pelvic floor muscle strength (with a perineometer), bladder symptoms (with a urine diary), OAB symptom severity (with the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire [OAB-V8]), urgency (with the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale [PPIUS]), and quality of life (with King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ]). The Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, Friedman test, and Dunn multiple comparison test were used for analysis. RESULTS: In both groups, pelvic floor muscle strength increased, whereas OAB symptoms and PPIUS and KHQ scores decreased after treatment (P < .05). Although the OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased at week 3, frequency, OAB-V8, and PPIUS scores, in addition to some parameters of the KHQ, decreased after treatment in the PFMT+CTM group compared to the PFMT group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared to PFMT alone, PFMT+CTM achieved superior outcomes in reducing OAB symptoms in the early and late periods.

Do community-dwelling pregnant women know about pelvic floor disorder?

Our study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) among pregnant women. We additionally evaluated whether the knowledge of PFDs was different in relation to gestational age, parity, the attendance to an antenatal education (ANE), and history of urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in pregnant women from all trimesters of pregnancy. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and three questions were used for knowledge and awareness. Two hundred and forty-one women participated in the study. Of them, 18.6% (n = 46) and 3.6% (n = 9) had UI and POP, respectively. The median of the PIKQ-UI and the PIKQ-POP scores were 6 (min-max: 0-11) and 5 (min-max: 0-12), respectively. The median PIKQ-UI and PIKQ-POP scores were higher in women who had attended ANE. There was no significant difference in terms of gestational age, parity, the attendance to ANE, and the history of pelvic floor disorder (p > .05). Knowledge and awareness were low among the women in all trimesters. Education programs involving pelvic floor training should be organized for pregnant women.

The characteristics, disabilities, and spinal alignment of women with double crush syndrome: a case-control study.

AIMS: Double crush syndrome is a clinical condition composed of neurological dysfunction due to compressive pathology at multiple sites along a single peripheral nerve. The aims were to investigate the characteristics and disabilities of women with double crush syndrome, to compare the spinal alignment to healthy women, and to determine the cut-offs for the spinal alignment characteristics. METHODS: Twenty women with double crush syndrome (age: 49.50 ± 8.64 years) and 21 asymptomatic healthy controls (age: 44.76 ± 7.82 years) were included in the study. The physical characteristics, pain intensity, and symptoms were questioned. Disability with Disability of Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire and Neck Disability Index and spinal alignment with Spinal Mouse® (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland) were assessed. RESULTS: The pain intensity at rest, night, and during activity was 3.70 ± 3.25, 6.01 ± 2.77, and 7.15 ± 2.68 cm, respectively. The most bothersome symptom was numbness (65%). The symptoms were seen in hands and/or fingers (55%), arms (15%), shoulder blade (15%), and neck (15%). The Disability of Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire and Neck Disability Index scores were 58.64 ± 15.41 and 19.55 ± 6.37, respectively. The sagittal thoracic curvature (p: .011) and lumbar curvature (p: .049) increased, and the overall spine mobility (p<.001) decreased in the double crush syndrome patients. The cut-off points were detected as 54.5° (area under the curve: 0.680, p: .049, 40% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity) for the thoracic spinal curvature, and 113.5° (area under the curve: 0.667, p<.000, 65% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity) for the overall spine mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The double crush syndrome patients had moderate to severe pain and disability, increased thoracic and lumbar curvature, and decreased spine mobility. The cut-off values were found as 54.5° for thoracic curvature and 113.5° for spine mobility.

A comparison of kinesio taping and classical massage in addition to cervical stabilization exercise in patients with chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies comparing the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) and classical massage (CM) in chronic neck pain (CNP) are scarce. This study aimed to compare the effects of KT and CM in addition to cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) in patients with CNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to KT + CSE and CM + CSE groups. Disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), pain with the Visual Analog Scale, cervical range of motion with a goniometer, and quality of life (QoL) with the 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) were assessed baseline and after a 4-week treatment. RESULTS: Improvement was observed in NDI and physical component scores of SF-36 in favor of the KT + CSE group and in rotation movements in favor of the CM + CSE group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In CNP, KT + CSE was superior in improving disability and QoL compared to CM + CSE, whereas CM + CSE was superior in increasing rotation movements compared to KT + CSE.

Coronaphobia, musculoskeletal pain, and sleep quality in stay-at home and continued-working persons during the 3-month Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in Turkey.

Studies related to the effects of the lockdown on musculoskeletal pain, coronaphobia, and sleep quality in individuals who stayed at home (SH) and in those who continued to work (CW) at a workplace other than home during the Covid-19 pandemic are scarce. We compare the effects of a 3-month nationwide lockdown in Turkey on musculoskeletal pain, coronaphobia, and sleep quality in individuals who SH and in those who CW during the Covid-19 pandemic. Individuals who SH (n: 375) and those who CW (n: 311) during the Covid-19 were included in this case-controlled study. Data on musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, NMQ), coronaphobia (Covid-19 Phobia Scale, C19P-S), and sleep quality (Jenkins Sleep Scale, JSS) were collected via an online form. During the 3-month Covid-19 lockdown, low back pain was higher in the SH group than CW group (p < .05). Rates of the neck, upper-back, shoulder, and hip/thigh pain were lower, and rate of low back pain was higher in the SH group (p < .05); while, rates of the neck, upper back, shoulder, and elbow pain were lower in the CW group (p < .05) during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown than pre-lockdown values. The total scores of the C19P-S and psychological, psychosomatic, social, and economic subscales were higher in the SH group (p < .05). Sleep quality was similar in both groups (p > .05). Individuals who SH had more low back pain and higher coronaphobia than individuals who CW during the 3-month Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Nonetheless, sleep quality was similar and the rate of some types of musculoskeletal pain was lower in both groups.